U.S. patent application number 13/367602 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alphatec Spine, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ketchen Smith, Carmen Walters, Benjamin Wang.
Application Number | 20120203279 13/367602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46601169 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120203279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walters; Carmen ; et
al. |
August 9, 2012 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES
Abstract
An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a
plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one
node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end
for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system
and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the
transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of
first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a
receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the
second ends.
Inventors: |
Walters; Carmen; (Carlsbad,
CA) ; Smith; Ketchen; (Escondido, CA) ; Wang;
Benjamin; (Carlsbad, CA) |
Assignee: |
Alphatec Spine, Inc.
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
46601169 |
Appl. No.: |
13/367602 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61440640 |
Feb 8, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/252 ;
606/251; 606/279 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/708 20130101;
A61B 17/7043 20130101; A61B 17/7025 20130101; A61B 17/7014
20130101; A61B 17/7077 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/252 ;
606/251; 606/279 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/70 20060101
A61B017/70; A61B 17/88 20060101 A61B017/88 |
Claims
1. A system for correcting a spinal deformity, comprising: a
plurality of transverse rods, each including a first end for
coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a
second end; a longitudinal rod extending transverse to the
transverse rods; and at least one node that receives the second
ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod
within a receiving portion, wherein an adjustment member
selectively secures the second ends.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising another node that
receives the second ends of third and fourth transverse rods and
the longitudinal rod within another receiving portion, wherein
another adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein each second end includes a
rounded portion that pivots within a receiving portion of the node
that includes one or more rounded recesses configured to receive
the rounded portion.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member provides
clamping force on an upper portion and a lower portion of the
receiving portion to secure the transverse rods.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein each first end includes a linking
member that couples with the extension member.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the linking member includes a
first aperture that receives the first end and a second aperture
that couples with the extension member.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an alignment clip
having a pair of arms that extend around a first extension member
of a first vertebral level and a second extension member of a
second vertebral level to enable simultaneous movement of the first
and second vertebral levels.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the alignment clip includes an
aperture for receiving one of the first extension member and the
second extension member.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the alignment clip includes a pin
at a first end and a locking mechanism at a second end that
selectively locks the pair of arms together.
10. The system of claim 7, further comprising an inter-level
connector including a first coupling mechanism that attaches to the
pair of arms and a second coupling mechanism for attachment to each
first end of the transverse rods.
11. A system for correcting a spinal deformity, comprising: a
plurality of transverse links, each transverse link having an
adjustable length, a plurality of attachment points along the
adjustable length, and first and second apertures for receiving
first and second extension members of a spinal fixation system; and
a plurality of linking arms, each linking arm having a first mating
feature that attaches to a first attachment point of a first
transverse link and a second mating feature that attaches to a
second attachment point of a second transverse link
12. The system of claim 11, wherein each transverse link includes a
first plate that slidably receives a second plate.
13. The system of claim 1!, wherein each linking arm attaches to
adjacent first and second transverse links.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second
apertures includes a rounded inner surface configured to receive a
sleeve having a mating rounded outer surface.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the attachment points and
mating features include at least one of a peg, a pin, a slot, and
an aperture.
16. A method of correcting a spinal deformity, comprising: coupling
a first end of a first transverse rod with a first extension member
of a first vertebral level of a spinal fixation system; coupling a
first node with a second end of the first transverse rod; coupling
a first end of a second transverse rod with a second extension
member of the first vertebral level of the spinal fixation system;
and coupling the first node with a second end of the second
transverse rod.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: coupling a first
end of a third transverse rod with a first extension member of a
second vertebral level of the spinal fixation system; coupling a
second node with a second end of the third transverse rod; coupling
a first end of a fourth transverse rod with a second extension
member of the second vertebral level of the spinal fixation system;
and coupling the second node with a second end of the fourth
transverse rod.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising inserting a
longitudinal rod extending transversely to the transverse rods
through the first node and the second node.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising rotating at least
one of the second ends of the first, second, third, and fourth
transverse rods within recesses formed in at least one of an upper
portion and a lower portion of at least one of the first and second
nodes.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising adjusting a clamping
force on the upper portion and the lower portion of at least one of
the first and second nodes to secure the second ends therebetween.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/440,640 filed on Feb. 8, 2011 and
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of
spinal orthopedics, and more particularly to systems and methods
for correcting spinal deformities.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The spine is a series of individual bones called vertebrae,
separated by cartilaginous disks. The spine includes seven cervical
(neck) vertebrae, twelve thoracic (chest) vertebrae, five lumbar
(lower back) vertebrae, and the fused vertebrae in the sacrum and
coccyx that help to form the hip region. While the shapes of
individual vertebrae differ among these regions, each is
essentially a short hollow tube containing the bundle of nerves
known as the spinal cord. Individual nerves, such as those carrying
messages to the arms or legs, enter and exit the spinal cord
through gaps between vertebrae. The spinal disks act as shock
absorbers, cushioning the spine, and preventing individual bones
from contacting each other. Disks also help to hold the vertebrae
together. The weight of the upper body is transferred through the
spine to the hips and the legs. The spine is held upright through
the work of the back muscles, which are attached to the vertebrae.
While the normal spine has no side-to-side curve and rotational
misalignment, it does have a series of front-to-back curves, giving
it a gentle "S" shape. If the proper shaping and/or curvature are
not present due to scoliosis, neuromuscular disease, cerebral
palsy, or other disorder, it may be necessary to straighten or
adjust the spine into a proper curvature and alignment.
[0004] Generally the correct curvature and alignment are obtained
by manipulating the vertebrae into their proper position and
securing that position with screws and rods. The rods which are
shaped to mimic the correct curvature and force the spine into
proper alignment. Bone grafts are then placed between the vertebrae
to aid in fusion of the individual vertebrae together to form a
correctly aligned spine.
[0005] Spinal deformity correction procedures can require complex
anatomical manipulation to restore proper anatomic form to the
patient. Currently, some systems have non-linkable tubes with
handles to perform vertebral column manipulation (VCM). VCM with a
rotational force applied on bone anchors in the coronal plane
(medial-laterally) is referred to as "derotation". Because
correction of a large, complex 3-dimensional spinal deformity can
exert a high stress concentration on the bone anchor element and
anatomy, forces should be distributed between multiple levels and
multiple bone anchors in order to reduce the occurrence of
anatomical damage (i.e. screw breach through the vertebrae).
SUMMARY
[0006] An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity
includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at
least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a
first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal
fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends
transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives
the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the
longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment
member selectively secures the second ends.
[0007] In other features, another node receives the second ends of
third and fourth transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within
another receiving portion and another adjustment member selectively
secures the second ends. Each second end includes a rounded portion
that pivots within a receiving portion of the node that includes
one or more rounded recesses configured to receive the rounded
portion. The adjustment member provides clamping force on an upper
portion and a lower portion of the receiving portion to secure the
transverse rods. Each first end includes a linking member that
couples with the extension member. The linking member includes a
first aperture that receives the first end and a second aperture
that couples with the extension member.
[0008] In still other features, an alignment clip includes a pair
of arms that extends around a first extension member of a first
vertebral level and a second extension member of a second vertebral
level to enable simultaneous movement of the first and second
vertebral levels. The alignment clip includes an aperture for
receiving one of the first extension member and the second
extension member. The alignment clip includes a pin at a first end
and a locking mechanism at a second end that selectively locks the
pair of arms together. An inter-level connector includes a first
coupling mechanism that attaches to the pair of arms and a second
coupling mechanism for attachment to each first end of the
transverse rods.
[0009] Another exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity
includes a plurality of transverse links and a plurality of linking
arms. Each transverse link includes an adjustable length, a
plurality of attachment points along the adjustable length, and
first and second apertures for receiving first and second extension
members of a spinal fixation system. Each linking arm includes a
first mating feature that attaches to a first attachment point of a
first transverse link and a second mating feature that attaches to
a second attachment point of a second transverse link
[0010] In other features, each transverse link includes a first
plate that slidably receives a second plate. Each linking arm
attaches to adjacent first and second transverse links Each of the
first and second apertures includes a rounded inner surface
configured to receive a sleeve having a mating rounded outer
surface. The attachment points and mating features include at least
one of a peg, a pin, a slot, and an aperture.
[0011] An exemplary method of correcting a spinal deformity
includes coupling a first end of a first transverse rod with a
first extension member of a first vertebral level of a spinal
fixation system, coupling a first node with a second end of the
first transverse rod, coupling a first end of a second transverse
rod with a second extension member of the first vertebral level of
the spinal fixation system, and coupling the first node with a
second end of the second transverse rod.
[0012] In other features, the method includes coupling a first end
of a third transverse rod with a first extension member of a second
vertebral level of the spinal fixation system, coupling a second
node with a second end of the third transverse rod, coupling a
first end of a fourth transverse rod with a second extension member
of the second vertebral level of the spinal fixation system, and
coupling the second node with a second end of the fourth transverse
rod.
[0013] In still other features, the method includes inserting a
longitudinal rod extending transversely to the transverse rods
through the first node and the second node; rotating at least one
of the second ends of the first, second, third, and fourth
transverse rods within recesses formed in at least one of an upper
portion and a lower portion of at least one of the first and second
nodes; and adjusting a clamping force on the upper portion and the
lower portion of at least one of the first and second nodes to
secure the second ends therebetween.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a screw extender system
attached to a spinal column.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example of a system for
correcting spinal deformities as attached to the screw extender
system according to the principles of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view a portion of the system for
correcting spinal deformities according to the principles of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an exemplary node
of the system for correcting spinal deformities according to the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an exemplary
linking member of the system for correcting spinal deformities
according to the principles of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of exemplary
instruments associated with the system for correcting spinal
deformities according to the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary alignment clip of
the system for correcting spinal deformities according to the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another exemplary alignment clip
and an inter-level connector of the system for correcting spinal
deformities according to the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate positioning of the alignment
clips and inter-level connectors with the screw extender system
according to the principles of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example of a system
for correcting spinal deformities as attached to the screw extender
system according to the principles of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view of the system for correcting spinal
deformities according to the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a sleeve of the system for correcting spinal
deformities according to the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a portion of the system for correcting spinal
deformities in an unexpanded position according to the principles
of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 14 is the portion of the system for correcting spinal
deformities in an expanded position according to the principles of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The systems and methods of this disclosure relate to a
structural system which aids a surgeon in manipulating vertebrae in
a spinal fusion procedure. Variations of the system may include one
or more of the following: extension members, extenders, transverse
links, extension member remover instruments, derotation
instruments, alignment clips, rod reducers, alignment nodes,
transverse rods, longitudinal rods, and other components.
[0029] The systems and methods of the present disclosure allow a
surgeon to selectively maneuver two or more vertebrae at a time.
The system allows multiple vertebral levels to be coupled together
both cephalad-caudally and contra-laterally. Coupling of the bone
anchors allows VCM forces to be distributed across multiple levels
and bone anchors thereby increasing the safety and efficacy of the
deformity correction procedure. Additionally, the derotation tubes
will function as axial rod reducers to allow for both active
clamping onto the bone anchor element and rod reduction.
[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals reflect like
elements throughout. The terminology used in the description
presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited
or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in
conjunction with detailed description of certain specific
embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the
invention may include several novel features, no single one of
which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which
is essential to practicing the invention described herein. The
words proximal and distal are applied herein to denote specific
ends of components of the instrument described herein. A proximal
end refers to the end of an instrument nearer to an operator of the
instrument when the instrument is being used. A distal end refers
to the end of a component further from the operator and extending
towards the surgical area of a patient and/or the implant.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a portion of an exemplary spinal column
10 is shown. The spinal column 10 includes numerous vertebrae V
including, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical vertebrae. Although the
portion depicted primarily includes vertebrae of the lumbar region,
the present disclosure relates systems and methods for any region
of the spinal column 10. The vertebrae V are instrumented with
screws (not shown) and extension members 12 such as screw
extenders, derotation towers, and the like as known in the art. The
extension members 12 may function as derotation tubes or extension
members to provide leverage to align the vertebrae and facilitate
insertion of fixation rods. Exemplary screws and extender systems
may be found in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2010/0036443. The screws may
include polyaxial screws having threaded shafts and rounded heads.
The screws may be attached to the pedicles of the vertebrae and
polyaxial body members attached to the heads. The body members
receive the fixation rods to rigidly secure the vertebrae for
fusion. The extension members 12 may removably attach to the body
members of the screws and provide leverage to manipulate the
vertebrae prior to fusion. The extension members 12 may also
include slots for insertion of the fixation rods.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, a system 100
for alignment of the spine 10 may be used with one or more screws
installed in the pedicles of the vertebral bones. In this
embodiment, extension members 102 are attached to the pedicle
screws. The extension members 102 may attach in various ways such
as with opposing mating protrusions, clip-on, snap-on,
spring-biased attachment, or threaded attachment. The extension
members 102 may include the extension members 12 as described
above. The system 100 may include a plurality of transverse
alignment rods 104, a plurality of alignment nodes 106, and a
longitudinal alignment rod 108.
[0033] Continuing now also with FIG. 3, the transverse rods 104 may
be substantially cylindrical from a first end proximate to the
extension members 102 to a second end proximate to the longitudinal
alignment rod 108. The second end may form an end portion 110, such
as a rounded or spherical portion, that permits rotation and
pivoting of the transverse rod 104 relative to the node 106. The
alignment nodes 106 may be substantially cylindrical or spherical
and include receiving portions 112 for receiving the end portions
110 of the transverse rods 104. The longitudinal rod 108 generally
runs parallels to the spine 10 and transversely to the transverse
rods 104. The longitudinal rod 108 may be a singular rod or
alternate means for stabilizing and connecting the nodes 106 to
make a cohesive unit from the multiple alignment nodes 106.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, one of the nodes 106 is
shown in greater detail. The receiving portion 112 of the node 106
may include a first upper portion 112a and a second lower portion
112b. The receiving portion 112 may include one or more recesses
114 configured to secure the end portion 110 of the alignment rod.
For example, in the present embodiment, the recesses 114 include
hemispherical profiles that conform to spherical profiles of the
end portion 110. Thus, the transverse rods 104 may freely rotate
due to a ball and socket joint formed by the recesses 114 and end
portion 110. A linking member 116 links the upper portion 112a and
lower portion 112b together and may include internal springs (not
shown) to bias the upper portion 112a and lower portion 112b apart
from one another. An aperture 118 in the linking member 116
receives the longitudinal rod 108. The longitudinal rod 108 may
freely rotate within the aperture 118. An adjustment member 120 may
adjust a clamping force provided by the upper portion 114 and the
lower portion 116 of the node 106 on the end portion 110.
[0035] Each node 106 adjustably connects the longitudinal rod 108
to the transverse rods 104. Several nodes 106 may be joined
together, or in pairs, or any other desired quantity. By joining
segments of nodes 106 and transverse rods 104, the nodes 106 can
rotate to accommodate differing anatomy for each level of
vertebrae. As shown in FIG. 5A, the transverse rod 104 connects the
extension member 102 to the alignment nodes 106. For example, a
linking member 122, as shown also in FIG. 5B, may include a first
transverse aperture 124 for receiving the transverse rod 104. The
linking member 122 may include a second extension member aperture
126 for coupling with the extension member 102. A lock 128, such as
a toggle screw, may lock the linking member 122 along any portion
of the extension member 102 as desired. The linking members 122 may
be moved along the extension member 102 and also allow for the
adjustable attachment of the transverse rods 104 onto the
construct. The extension members 102 may be moved in any desirable
locked configuration by loosening the adjustment member 120 on the
node 106 and the lock 128 on the linking member 122. In another
embodiment, the transverse rods 104, nodes 106, linking members
122, and longitudinal rod 108 may join multiple extension members
102. For example, after the extension members 102 are attached to
the pedicle screws, the remainder of the construct may be attached
to multiple extension members 102.
[0036] In FIGS. 6A and 6B, additional tubes 130, such as rod
reducer tubes, derotation tubes, and the like, may be inserted over
the extension members 102 as needed during a deformity correction
procedure. For example, the system 100 may include a rod reducer
tube to aid in the insertion of the fixation rod into the pedicle
screws by persuading the fixation rod into the head of the screw.
The system 100 may be configured to accommodate any of screw
extenders, derotation tubes, and rod reducer tubes.
[0037] Various instruments, such as derotation instruments 132, may
removably attach to the extension members 102 and or additional
tubes 130 to allow the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the joined
extension members 102. In one embodiment, the instrument 132
includes a u-shaped distal end 134 connected to a hollow sleeve 136
which rotates on pins 138 protruding from either side of the distal
end 134. The hollow sleeve 136 can be attached to the extension
member 102 in any desirable manner and released by a trigger or
other similar mechanism. In one particular embodiment, the sleeve
136 can be attached to the extension member 102 by sliding the
sleeve 136 onto the proximal end of the extension member 102. The
surgeon may use a handle 140 to manipulate the extension member 102
as required to rotate and align the spinal column.
[0038] Occasionally, it may be beneficial to move multiple levels
of vertebrae in unison to facilitate proper alignment. The system
100 may include an alignment clip 142, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B,
to connect at least two extension members 102 together for
simultaneous manipulation. The clip 142 may include two arms 144
and 146 linked by a pin 148. The arms 144 and 146 spread apart to
be inserted around the extension members 102. In one embodiment the
clip 142 is clamped around the extension members 102 and closed
with a rack and pawl locking mechanism 150. In some embodiments,
the clip 142 can be scalloped to better conform to the external
shape of the extension member 102. In another embodiment, the clip
142 can have a non-slip surface such as rubber to better grip the
extension member 102. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
8A and 8B, the clip 142 may include an extension member aperture
152 that receives a first of the extension members 102 for building
up a complete system 100. The opening 152 may rigidly secure the
clip 142 to the first extension member before connecting with a
second extension member.
[0039] Sometimes, it may be beneficial to couple a transverse rod
104 at a point between two levels of adjacent vertebrae, and thus,
between two adjacent extension members 102. FIG. 8B illustrates an
inter-level connector 154 that may expand around two arms 144 and
146 of the clip 142. The inter-level connector 154 couples at any
point along the two arms 144 and 146 as shown in FIG. 9A. The
inter-level connector 154 may be secured to the clip 142 by any of
a rack and pawl mechanism, a ratcheting mechanism, or other known
coupling mechanism 156. For example, the coupling mechanism 156 may
expand the connector 154 wider than the two arms 144 and 146 to
release from the clip 142. The coupling mechanism 156 may contract
the connector 154 around the two arms 144 and 146 to attacheto the
clip 142. The connector 154 may be integral with the transverse rod
104. Alternatively, the connector 154 may attach to the transverse
rod 104 with a second attachment mechanism 158 such as threading, a
push pin lock, or other known mechanisms for locking rods. Thus, as
illustrated in FIG. 9B, the inter-level connector 154 permits
placement of transverse rods 104 between adjacent levels of
vertebrae and corresponding extension members 102.
[0040] FIGS. 10-14 illustrate another embodiment of a system 200
for alignment of the spine 10 that may be used with one or more
screws installed in the pedicles of the vertebral bones. As shown
in FIG. 11, the system 200 comprises expandable transverse links
202 and linking arms 204. Each transverse link 202 may include a
first plate 206 and a second plate 208 as shown most clearly in
FIG. 14 The first plate 206 may include a first extension member
aperture 210 for connection with a first one of the extension
members 102a. The second plate 208 may include a second extension
member aperture 212 for connection with a second one of the
extension members 102b extending from an opposite side of the same
vertebra. The first plate 206 and second plate 208 slide relative
to one another to enable variable positioning along the height of
the extension members 102. For example, the transverse link 202 may
include an unexpanded configuration shown in FIG. 13 and an
expanded configuration shown in FIG. 14. A sleeve 214, as shown in
FIG. 12, may be disposed within the apertures 210 and 212 to
facilitate various angles formed by the intersection of the
transverse link 202 and the extension member 102. The sleeve 214
may form a generally spherical shape and pivot about the apertures
210 and 212 as a ball and socket joint. For example, the apertures
210 and 212 may include rounded inner surfaces corresponding to the
spherical shape of the sleeve 214.
[0041] Continuing with FIGS. 10-14, the transverse links 202 may
include attachment points 216 such as pins, pegs, and the like, for
attachment with mating features of the linking arms 204. In the
present example, the linking arms 204 include mating features such
as apertures and slots 218. The attachment points 216 allow the
linking arm 104 to pivotally attach to the transverse links 202.
Additionally, the linking arm 204 can swivel about the attachment
point 216 thereby adjusting its position in relation to the
transverse links 202.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, a desired number of
extension members 102 are connected to the vertebrae by attaching
to a corresponding number of bone screws. The system 200 may
subsequently be attached to the extension members 102. The surgeon
may pre-assemble the system 200 or add one component at a time
connecting the desired number of transverse links 202 with linking
arms 204 as required to properly align the spine 10. If one link
202 is added at a time, each sleeve 214 is attached to the proximal
end of the extension member 102 connected to the same vertebra
thereby spanning the space perpendicular to the spine. Second and
subsequent transverse links 202 can be added to the system 200 with
sleeves 214 attached to the proximal ends of the adjacent extension
members 102. Linking arms 204 may be added between the transverse
links 202 to connect each adjacent transverse link 202 to all other
links 202 of the system 200.
[0043] Once the entire system 200 is assembled, the linking arms
204, plates 206 and 208, and the extension members 102 are capable
of movement as one unit. Each transverse link 202 is additionally
and separately lockable in its individual expanded position
allowing one link 202 to be adjusted while the others remain
static. After the vertebrae have been manipulated into their
desired positions during the derotation procedure, the position can
be secured by inserting a fixation rod into the multiple extension
members 102. The rod is inserted parallel to the spine, and secured
in the bone screw with a set screw. One example of the rod and set
screw placement is described in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2010/0036443.
After the rods are secured, the system 200 can then be disassembled
and the surgery completed.
[0044] Example embodiments of the methods and systems of the
present invention have been described herein. As noted elsewhere,
these example embodiments have been described for illustrative
purposes only, and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible
and are covered by the invention. Such embodiments will be apparent
to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings
contained herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present
invention should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance
with the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *